President of Dangote Group and Africa’s Richest man, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that a wealthy friend, who had earlier warned him against investing in Nigeria is now taunting him for ignoring his advice.
He made the disclosure in an interview with Premium Times on Sunday amid reports that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority said the diesel from Dangote Refinery is of inferior quality.
According to the billionaire, the friend, whose identity he kept anonymous gave him the advice not to invest in Nigeria four years ago and noted that he was already investing his own money abroad.
Dangote said he invested in the refinery to help solve a major issue in the country, wondering why some people were working against him.
In his words; “Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his actions in the interest of his country.
“He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups. That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right.
“As you probably know, I am 67 years old. In less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life. I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.’
“We have been facing a fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery.
“This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, and run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs.”